Envision Documentary: The Incredible Shrinking Middle Class

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Published 2008-09-26

Nearly 40 percent of San Diegans dont earn enough money to live here, according to a new report. San Diego is the 11th most expensive city in the United States. The Countys unemployment rate is at a 13-year high -- 6.4 per cent, and 100,000 people are looking for work. KPBS reveals why this is happening in a new documentary.

All Comments (21)

@markhelton6128 6 years ago

Too many people think it will never happen to them. It can happen to anyone.
@CBLifeHacks 5 years ago

$195k a year 23 years of experience. Looks like she didn't save for a rainy day.
@typingcat 6 years ago

Two simple rules for surviving with a low income: Do not ever have children. Take care of your health.
@user-lu6yg3vk9z 7 years ago

At 3:00 Woman : I have a masters degree. Recruiter: Great, you are overqualified.
@jimmyflex2580 8 years ago

You have to make $34,000 per year to survive in California. What a load of crap. Everything is so expensive in California. You have to make at least $70,000 per year to live in that state.
@adelitavalle1852 8 years ago

I live in the San Diego area, and I am moving. I am downsizing. I am not interested being or competing with the Jones. I am ridiculed for my frugal ways here in California. For example, I grow vegetables in my small garden and pots, sew and crochet, have a food stockpile, and turn off the lights. This economy provides an opportunity to be resourceful and creative. I am very grateful. I have seen so many homeless and hungry people in the San Diego area. I am moving for a larger yard and inexpensive housing.
@MrJosephdrummond 7 years ago

OMG!! her husband makes $54k parttime and she gets more in unemployment than i make at a full time job! I WANT THESE PROBLEMS, PLEASE
@theilliad4298 6 years ago

In DC, I kid you not, there are jobs here that pay $14 / hr and require you to have a bachelor's degree.
@bubbleman1081 7 years ago

I am surprised someone who makes over $150K/year has limited savings and investments.
@MichaelMarko 5 years ago

This was uploaded 11 bloody years ago and it's still FRESH!! Going through this for more than 10 years!?!?!?!?!? Who has any illusion that things will get better?
@going2sleep 3 years ago

This was made 11 years ago. Now the situation is 10x worst with the COVID-19 outbreak.
@alomonwo 5 years ago

Once you hit 50 it's a rap for you. Just like racial discrimination is real so is Age discrimination which affects everybody.
@DanielBMaximoff 8 years ago

Sometimes we think we can face silent battles on our own. The truth is--we need each other!
@geoffdearth8575 6 years ago

I never made more than $50k but I am now retired with about $1 million in assets + 2 houses. Here's an idea: Don't buy shit you can't pay for.
@wildwest1832 5 years ago

I dont agree the future is high tech jobs. Trade skills like plumbing, electrician, or appliance repair will be around forever because everyone needs these things. You want a job? Become plumber or electrician. Degrees arent for everyone.
@thelogician1934 7 years ago

So that woman working in pharmaceuticals for 20+ years at $195k/year did not manage to save a few million dollars and be financially independent? Who's to blame? Good times ain't gonna last forever.
@Iworkwithnitwits 10 years ago

Passing out resumes in a mini skirt. She sure wants a job.
@Rita-23 4 years ago

I had a friend who seriously struggled with his job search during the recession. He applied to fast food restaurants, despite having a Bachelor's in Science and a Master's in Mathematics. He was frequently told he was over qualified, though he kept saying he just wanted to work.
@Karenseiley 5 years ago

10 years later its still not any better
@liveinms9949 3 years ago

Im looking at the 2nd lady who was making 195,000 a year and living in a shack. Move people Move. The rest of the country is not as expensive as california and new york